What's happened
Jacques Audiard's new film, 'Emilia Pérez,' is a Spanish-language musical exploring themes of gender identity and cartel violence. The film features a unique blend of genres and addresses serious social issues through an unconventional narrative style, marking a significant departure for the veteran director.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Audiard's 'Emilia Pérez' is a 'startling departure' that combines musical elements with serious themes, showcasing the director's ongoing exploration of identity. The film's protagonist, originally a cartel boss, undergoes a gender transition, which is described as a 'hyper-macho world' that she seeks to escape. The film's musical numbers, while not universally praised, are seen as essential to its narrative structure, allowing for a suspension of disbelief necessary for its outlandish premise. The Guardian also notes that the film's tonal shifts could be jarring but ultimately serve to enhance its storytelling. In contrast, Business Insider highlights Anna Kendrick's directorial debut, 'Woman of the Hour,' which also tackles themes of identity and survival in a different context, showcasing the diverse approaches filmmakers are taking to explore similar issues.
How we got here
Audiard, known for films like 'A Prophet' and 'Dheepan,' has consistently explored themes of identity and transformation. 'Emilia Pérez' represents a bold shift into musical storytelling, inspired by a minor plot in Boris Razon's novel 'Écoute.'
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